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Fine Time at the Tower Shoot

Setting up in the impressive setting of the Tower's East Moat.

Tuesday 16 July saw the annual Joint Archery Shoot in the East Moat of the Tower of London between the Fletchers' Company and the Bowyers' Company, followed by dinner in the Fusiliers' Mess in the Tower grounds. It's a charming, unique and very special event which both Companies value very greatly - and for once the weather was hot and sunny!

Michael Wren as Master leads off for the Bowyers.

Bowyers in unison: David Laxton, Christian Major, John Hayton.

Bowyer Ray Scott in combative stance.

The first part of the evening comprises a light-hearted archery competition between the two Companies, with everyone getting a go whatever their level of archery skill, and usually it's been pretty much a matter of luck who comes out ahead. Last year's competition had been won by the Bowyers in a shoot-off between the top four scorers from each side. This year it was decided that only Liverymen's scores would be counted and the top 15 scores totalled for each side, and the result was a win for the Fletchers by 218 to 178.

Historical perspective: Muniments men Simon Leach, Sinclair Rogers.

Relaxing with a Pimm's: Sebastian Pooley, Michael Wren.

Many delightful inter-livery conversations took place throughout the evening. Before dinner, Colonel Nigel Easton gave us a brilliant short account of the history back to 1685 of the Regiment of Fusiliers, and how it came to have its home base in the Tower. After dinner the Governor of the Tower, Colonel Dick Harrold, made us all most welcome, echoed our relief that it hadn't rained this year, and announced the results from the sealed envelope. The Master Bowyer, Michael Wren, and the Master Fletcher, Lesley Agutter, expressed both Companies' great appreciation of the hospitality extended to us by both the Regiment and the Tower.

Colonel Dick Harrold, Governor of the Tower, relays the results.

Our thanks to the London Archers for once again so kindly providing their time as instructors and supervisors for the evening's sport. We look forward keenly to next year's event in the best of spirits.

Tony Kench

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